The NHL hasn't been able to sustain the euphoric fan response that greeted last season's return from the lockout. Attendance is down 2.1% overall and 16 of the 30 NHL teams have had some decline from last season's numbers, according to USA TODAY research.

"Last year's first month was unique, marking the return of the sport after a full year shutdown," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says.

"When you look at this year in comparison to more 'normal' years in the past, not only is attendance strong, but it's stronger than we traditionally have been in October."

•The Colorado Avalanche, who had 487 consecutive sellouts starting Nov. 9, 1995, have fallen short of capacity five times.

•The Pittsburgh Penguins are off 4.1% and the Atlanta Thrashers are off 8.2%, despite strong starts.

•The St. Louis Blues, whose new owners authorized big spending on free agents this summer, had the steepest decline: 19.6%.

Blues president John Davidson says attendance was hurt by the previous owners' decision to get rid of popular players such as Chris Pronger, who was traded to the Edmonton Oilers after the lockout ended.

"The fans pay to watch these players, and they didn't have the players they expected to see last season. And that didn't leave them happy," Davidson says. "Then there was the Cardinals winning the World Series. We had three home games directly against the Cardinals. This is a great hockey city with good fans, but we have to earn their respect."